SAP initiates probe into SA business

JOHANNESBURG – SAP, the global market leader in enterprise application software, has initiated an independent investigation into allegations of unethical business conduct at its South African entity.

A multinational law firm, overseen by Executive Board Member Adaire Fox-Martin, will review the contracts in question. Media has alleged improper conduct.

Fox-Martin will be in South Africa to address the concerns of customers, partners and employees.

SAP has also launched an internal review as part of its commitment to compliance and will make the results of the investigation public once it is concluded, the company stated from Germany.

Consistent with company policy, SAP has brought in senior expert staff across all relevant functions while the current management team has been placed on administrative leave pending the findings of the review.

This is line with SAP’s commitment to maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency across its business.

“SAP stands for integrity, transparency and compliance,” said Fox-Martin, who leads SAP’s business in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Greater China.

“We strive to be exemplary in the manner in which we serve our customers and partners, and in how we treat our employees. Full transparency and integrity are imperative at our company, and we will not tolerate any misconduct.”

SAP said it was rigorously investigating any allegations of wrongdoing in any of the more than 180 countries where it operates.

“The company’s business policy is to carry out all company activities in accordance with the letter and spirit of applicable legal requirements and therefore maintain the highest standards of business ethics,” the company stated.